Our Amazing WORD Board!

John is a Dad (and shuttle/ uplift provider) of two Daughters, one high on WORD stoke and the other counting the days to her 7th birthday. Seeing first hand what WORD means to kiddos and the positive impact on their lives, he jumped at the chance to join the board in 2024 to support the awesome mahi of Ash and her crew.

In between the next Enduro or XC Event, he is a regular Welly rider (lover of all things Waipamihi and Te Kopahou) and a Civil Engineer, leading high profile and complex projects for both government and private clients.

John brings his breadth of knowledge including analytics, operational management, commercial management, leadership and governance to WORD and, has a particular interest in facilitating the development of key life skills for Tamariki as they grow into young adults.

Abbie is a dedicated instructor and champion of WORD, with a particular interest in developing teens. Her love for mountain biking grew from a life filled with outdoor adventures, from tramping and trail running, to climbing and backcountry skiing. Being in nature is a non-negotiable for Abbie to maintain good health, resilience and a sense of belonging. She believes in the incredible potential of WORD to positively impact the lives of young people and to help them become the best versions of themselves. 

Thanks to WORD's flexible working arrangements, Abbie is also able to hold a senior leadership role with a transport energy company, overseeing corporate sustainability and community investment functions. A former Army Captain and environmental professional, she now enables businesses and their communities to be more resilient in a world impacted by climate change. Abbie is stoked to bring her experience and connections to help WORD be the best mountain biking charity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Claire may spend less time on two wheels than she would like (injury status: semi-pro), however, she is no stranger to the world of bikes having worked with global organisations and brands such as Red Bull, Crankworx, Natural Selection Bike, Mons Royale, Bike Glendhu, and Mission WOW. She was also one of the main creators (along with Ash!) behind Future Ground, Mons Royale’s women’s freeride progression camp. Recently completing a Masters in Sustainable Business and with 12 years in the advertising industry under her belt, Claire brings a strong background in project & stakeholder management, strategy, and marketing, and believes most challenges can be tackled with an honest chat and a bit of teamwork.

Describing herself as a 'crown straightener,' Claire thrives behind the scenes, helping organisations like WORD be their best. Her mission is to transform WORD into a self-sustaining powerhouse, allowing the team to focus on what truly matters: changing the world, one ride at a time.

Matt is WORD parent to Elliott 9 and soon to be WORD rider Millie 7, he is excited at the opportunity to get stuck in and join The WORD Board in 2024 after seeing the growth and development that this organisations delivers to kids first hand. Matt and whanau are regular riders at Rangituhi, Porirua but also love exploring trails around the wider Wellington region and further afield whenever they get the chance.

Matt holds a senior leadership position within the building industry, responsible for multiple businesses across the Lower North Island. Matt has experience across operations, finance and HR and has a huge passion for helping people and businesses to grow and develop. Matt has a particular interest in assisting Ash and the team with securing greater funding via grants and commercial partnerships, so WORD can have an even bigger group of kids around the country involved in changing the world one ride at a time!

Mum to 2 WORD kiddos, Sarah knows the benefit of lessons and regularly shares all the awesomeness that is WORD with anyone who will listen. A regular on the Wellington trails, Sarah loves how WORD has helped to upskill her kids so that she can share her passion with them. A family favourite are shuttle days at the Redwoods in Rotorua!

In her work life Sarah has built and led a national team for a global tech company, and played a key role within a global leadership team that set the tone for creating and delivering an awesome workplace experience which just made life better for people in the office!